Take Shape For Life (TSFL) is a partial meal-replacement program that is complemented by classes/education designed to help people reach their optimal health. Participants complete 12-weeks of courses related to lifestyle changes. These include adequate rest, proper hydration, healthful eating, exercise/increased activity as part of daily life, and emotional/psychological stability and health.

We started TSFL at Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions because we wanted to offer an effective, relatively-easy way for people to lose weight—in a non-surgical program. For more than 10 years, Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions has offered bariatric surgeries. Many people don’t qualify for or NEED surgery, but instead would benefit a great deal from a medically-directed weight loss program.

Our 12-week program is specifically about the 12-weeks of classes. Many individuals are not done losing weight in 12-weeks, but continue with the program using the education and materials they already have. A support group is also available if someone wants ongoing support in that type of group setting.

How Does TSFL Work?
TSFL foods are individually-portioned foods that are to be consumed five times per day. The food products are carefully balanced for optimum nutrition, as well as ideal balances of carbs and protein to facilitate weight loss. Each includes 24 vitamins and minerals, and are high in fiber.

You consume five of these products each day, in addition to one “Lean and Green” meal that you prepare. Each of these meals should be spaced about three hours apart in order to curb hunger and increase your metabolism. The ‘Lean & Green’ (L&G) meal is to be 5-7 ounces of lean protein, accompanied by three servings of low-starch green vegetables. Here are some examples:

Asian Spinach Salad

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Grilled Lamb Chops with Zucchini

Lean and Green Taco Salad

Pork Roast with Asparagus

Shrimp with Garlic and Basil

These recipes—and many more—can be found at Get Skinny Be Happy. We refer patients to this site all the time for creative Lean & Green (L&G) recipes. Most people do their L&G recipe for their evening meal, so they can still eat with their family.

Who Should Use TSFL?
We regularly recommend this program to patients who have had some post-surgery weight gain (which does happen). This is also an option for people who are losing their required 5% of weight prior to surgery.

This program is ideal for anyone with a BMI of 25 or greater, but is effective for anyone who needs to lose some weight, whether it’s only a few pounds, or a hundred pounds. Click to calculate your BMI.

The program is for adults of any age, and even teens 13 and older. There are special programs within TSFL for people with certain ages/health issues, such as:

Diabetics (who often find that their blood sugar is very well controlled on this program)

Seniors (above 65)

Nursing mothers

Gout

Teens (13-18)

Those who join the program can also get tips for specific dietary needs for special situations, such as:

Being on warfarin (Coumadin)

Gluten-free

Vegetarian

Thyroid issues

Post-bariatric surgery

Is There Any Medical Condition That Would Prevent Someone From Using TSFL?
There’s a short list of medical conditions that would prevent a person from using TSFL. The conditions include:

How Much Does The TSFL Program Cost?
The one-time registration fee is $99. After that, you pay no other fees except for food. The $99 includes:

Habits of Health book/workbook

Free health coach for the duration of the program

12 weekly classes (described earlier)

Weekly weigh-ins at our office

Free In-Body measurement

The food costs are about $300 per month if you are doing the ‘5 meals/1 L&G’ per day program. When you transition to the maintenance plan, your costs will go down.

Many people say they find this to be very affordable, and have said the cost isn’t that different than what they spend on groceries and eating out.

Also, while most insurance plans don’t cover the program or foods, many Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) programs do. Check with your own plan to confirm this. To learn more about TSFL, to see the food options, and to sign up, contact Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions by calling 450-7419 or visiting the Deaconess Take Shape for Life website.